Emergency shelter at middle school closes after 24-hour run

LACONIA — After being staffed for 24 straight hours by the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), the emergency shelter at the Laconia Middle School closed yesterday afternoon as people's electricity was gradually restored.

Fire Chief Ken Erickson said three people spent Thanksgiving night in the shelter because their homes were without power as a result of the heavy, wet snow that fell during a memorable Thanksgiving eve storm.

CERT is a collaborative effort between the Lakes Region Partnership for Public Health and the Laconia Fire Department.

Had the CERT volunteers not been available to staff the emergency shelter over the holiday, the Fire Department would have had to bring in paid staff, said Susan Lavarack of the LRPPH.

As of 3 p.m. Erickson said the three people who were staying at the shelter had either gotten the power back at their homes or had found alternative housing. He said the shelter would be re-opening if the need arises.

Erickson also said that four of the city's streets remained blocked with fallen tree limbs.

As of yesterday morning, Belmont Police Lt. Rich Mann said there were still a number of people without power however the number was dropping. He said all of the roads in town with the exception of Dearborn Street were open.

As of 4 p.m. yesterday, Public Service of New Hampshire's website was still reporting that 7 percent of its 11,000 plus Laconia customers were without power, that 26 percent of Belmont customers were without power and 17 percent of Gilford customers were still without electricity.

CERT volunteers said yesterday that they have cots for 50 people and about half of them are handicap accessible meaning the cots are higher off the ground for easier access.

Lavarak said when people know there is storm coming they should pack a "to go" bag that included a change of clothes, prescription medications, a towel, and some toiletries. She said people who need to be sheltered should also bring bedding.

When active, the Laconia shelter is pet friendly but volunteers asked that, if possible, animals should be kenneled and that owners should bring food for them.

For people who want to support CERT, Lavarak suggested donating gift cards from local supermarkets so the team doesn't need to worry about food expiration dates or storage.

For more about becoming a CERT-trained volunteer, people should contact Laverack at the Partnership for Public Health or the Laconia Fire Department.